Wheel Game with Holes
Outdoor and indoor rolling games, game box stations ramps and methods of play where one or more participants physically rolls wheels towards a ramp which leads to a box, and a target area, such as circular hole or rectangular hole where player(s) accumulate points under selected playing rules. A station box can have a fold down ramp with an optional opening in the back of the box. Another station can have wheels and cooler in a hand truck arrangement. Another version can use a foldable ramp with removable inserts that allows the game to also be used with bean bags.
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This invention claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/519,063 filed May 16, 2011.
FIELD OF INVENTIONThis invention relates to outdoor and indoor rolling games, and particular to games, stations, ramps and methods of play where one or more participants physically rolls wheels towards a ramp which leads to a box, and a target area, such as circular hole or rectangular hole where player(s) accumulate points under selected playing rules.
BACKGROUND AND PRIOR ARTVarious types of yard games, activities and sports, such as horseshoes, lawn darts, bowling and toss games have become popular because of the social aspects, the physical activity, and inclusiveness of different age, gender and ability to compete.
For example, beanbag, sandbag and disc tossing type games have been used many times over the years. See for example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 922,717 to Parker; 3,628,793 to Mudloff; 4,726,591 to Johnson; 4,974,858 to Knowlton; 5,056,796 to Conville; 5,553,862 to Konotopsky; 6,866,268 to Christianson; and 7,607,666 to Studier.
Other types of games, such a ball rolling games have been proposed. See for example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 607,020 to Dodge; 742,416 to Hall; 945,286 to Rumpf; 1,262,314 to Downey; 1,545,329 to Johnston Jr.; 1,561,934 to Kennedy; 1,604,846 to Nelson; 3,837,653 to Fox et al.; and 4,726,591 to Johnson.
Some games have attempted to use rollable rings and discs. See for example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 2,662,518 to Luthi; 3,386,737 to Burgess; 5,199,708 to Lucas; and 5,664,776 to Mateer.
While these games may be suitable for the particular purpose to which they address, they are not the same and would not be suitable for all the purposes of the present invention as hereto described.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONA primary objective of the present invention is to provide games, stations, ramps and method of play where one or more participants physically rolls wheels towards a ramp which leads to a box, and a target area, such as circular hole or rectangular hole where player(s) accumulate points under selected playing rules.
A secondary objective of the present invention is to provide a self-contained game assembly that can be assembled from a wheeled box, and where one or more participants physically rolls the wheels that are used for the transportable box towards a ramp which leads to a box, and a target area, such as circular hole or rectangular hole.
A third objective of the present invention is to provide a wheeled box that can serve as both a sitting stool for a participant and for a game that can be assembled from a wheeled box, and where participants physically rolls the wheels from the box towards a ramp which leads to a box, and a target area, such as circular hole or rectangular hole.
A fourth objective of the present invention is to provide a physical wheel rolling game for one or more participants, intended for a large playing area outside or inside if the room permits, where the participants roll wheels into a target assembly to garner points in competition.
A fifth objective of the present invention is to provide a physical wheel rolling game for one or more participants, having a target area that can be interchanged overtime.
The game can be comprised of one or two portable box units, each unit having two wheels that can be removed for play. The box can have a fold down side that can double as a ramp for play, where wheels from the box can be used by players to roll up the ramp and toward a target area such as circular hole or rectangular hole.
The box unit or two box units can be collapsed into components that can be carried in a single suitcase.
Another box version can have extendable handles, and wheels on two lower corners of the box, to allow the box to be moved similar to a hand truck. The wheeled box unit can have a hinged upper lid/cover that can access a space that can be used as cooler. Slots in the handle and/or on the box can be used for scoring. Removable pegs can be inserted and moved along the series of holes to update player scores.
Another version of the game can have a ramp and back panel that are foldable with one another, along with a slot in the ramp. An additional slot can be placed in the rear panel to add difficulty to game play.
Further objects and advantages of this invention will be apparent from the following detailed description of the presently preferred embodiments which are illustrated schematically in the accompanying drawings.
Before explaining the disclosed embodiments of the present invention in detail it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its applications to the details of the particular arrangements shown since the invention is capable of other embodiments. Also, the terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation.
A listing of components will now be described.
- 10. Folding Wheel Hole station.
- 20. Station ramp.
- 22. extension pins to pivot ramp 20
- 29. track
- 30. Station cap and half of carrying case.
- 40. Keyhole in back of station for extra scoring potential.
- 50. Stiffening brace.
- 52. end slots
- 54. side slots
- 56. middle slot
- 60. Left side.
- 61. fastening hole
- 62. notched bottom edge
- 65. angled cut-out groove
- 70. Right side.
- 71. fastening hole
- 72. notched bottom edge
- 75. angled cut-out groove
- 80. Rear panel.
- 81. fastening hole
- 84. notched bottom edges
- 86. notched middle edge
- 90. Thumb screw for assembling station.
- 100. Wheel.
- 105. tire
- 110. Wheel path into station.
- 120. Wheel path out of station should the wheel go through the keyhole in the back panel.
- 130. Two disassembled complete Wheel Hole stations along with four wheels for playing the game stacked for packaging into carrying case.
- 140. Handle for assembled carrying case.
- 150. Backing plate with threaded inserts for assembling carrying case.
- 160. Threaded insert in station cap for handle assembly.
- 170. Components for two Wheel Hole stations (less station caps) and four wheels for playing the game stacked for packaging (less station caps).
- 180. Complete Wheel Hole game packed and ready to carry.
- 190. Optional hub plate for wheel (female connector). The connector could be screw fit, press fit, or snap fit. Two plates can be used per wheel; male and female.
- 200. Optional hub plate for wheel (male connector). The connector would match the female hub plate configuration (screw, press, or snap fit).
- 210. Male connector on hub plate.
- 220. Female connector on hub plate.
- 230. Hole in wheel through which the hub connectors pass to mate and secure the plates to the wheel.
- 240. Optional scoring peg.
- 250. Optional holes in station cap for scoring peg progression.
- 260. Rolling mobile Wheel Hole station. Top portion incorporates a ice cooler. Two stations can play game.
- 265. rectangular upright box
- 270 Fold down ramp.
- 272. track indicia on ramp
- 275. hinge
- 278. fastening edge of ramp
- 280. Extendable handle incorporates optional scoring holes to house scoring pegs.
- 290. U-brackets secure extendable handle to body of station.
- 300. Hinged cooler cover/lid doubles as a seat.
- 310. Optional holes in handle for scoring peg progression.
- 320. Lift handle on back of station.
- 330. Cooler cover hinge.
- 340. Rolling wheel for station mobility.
- 350. Folding foot.
- 360. Keyhole in back of mobile station for extra scoring potential.
- 370. Ice cooler incorporated into top of station.
- 380. Lower cavity of station receives wheel when “pitched”.
- 390. Portable folding ramp version of Wheel Hole game.
- 400. Main ramp with hole target for wheel.
- 402. track indicia
- 410. Hinged support panel tilts ramp up for play.
- 420. Hole in main ramp for wheel target.
- 430. Recess ledge in ramp hole accepts insert to convert game to popular Corn Hole bean bag game
- 440. Keyhole cut out in support panel offers extra scoring potential.
- 450. Hinge for support panel.
- 460. Wheel path onto and up ramp toward target hole.
- 470. Corn hole conversion insert fits into Wheel Hole target hole and rests on ledge in hole.
- 480. Bean bag target hole in insert.
- 490. Bean bag is thrown into target hole in insert.
- 500. Path of bean bag into target hole in insert.
- 510. Thread-on wheel retaining cap. This could be a wing nut or any style of hand tightened fastener.
- 520. Threaded wheel axle.
- 530. Foot axle upon which fold-up foot rotates to fold up and out of the way for play.
Referring to
Notched bottom edges 62 and 72 on the bottom rear corners of sides 60, 70 can be pressed into mating slots 52 on opposite ends of the brace 50 and snapped (or friction fitted) into place. Notched bottom corner edges 84 of rear panel 80 can be pressed into respective slots 54 on brace 50 and also and snapped (or friction fitted) into place. And central notched bottom edge 86 of rear panel 80 can be pressed into mating middle slot 56 of brace 50 and snapped (or friction fitted) into place.
Next, the rear extension pins 22 can be slid down into inwardly facing angled cut-out grooves 65, 75 of the sides 60, 70, so that the ramp 20 can pivot relative to the sides 60, 70.
Finally, the cap cover 30 can be fit over the tops of sides 60, 70 and rear panel 80, and fasteners 90, such as thumb screws, can attach through side hole(s) 31(only one is shown) of the cap 30 into mating fastener holes 61, 71, 81 of the sides 60, 70 and rear panel 80.
Referring to
In
The sizes of the ramp and wheels can vary depending upon difficulty of play. A wheel 340 having a diameter of approximately 6 inches, would cause the ramp portion 270 to have a length (height in closed position) of approximately 7 inches, so that rolling the wheel 340 up the downward positioned ramp 270 reduces the slot opening in the box to less than approximately 7 inches.
An extendable handle 280 having an inverted U shape can be attached to the station 260 by U shaped brackets 290 that are secured to the side walls of the station box 265. Optional columns of holes 310 in the handle 280 can be used for scoring purposes with the use of optional pegs. Additionally, the handle 280 can be raised and lowered when points are achieved by the player(s). The handle 280 can be either raised or lowered to different positions during an actual game where the number of holes visible above or below the U-brackets 290 can indicate the current scores. The extendable handle 280 can be rigidly held in position by fasteners, and can be used to pull the station 260 onto wheels 340 for ease in transport.
On the back of the station 260 can be fixed handle 320 that allows for the mobile station to be moved about similar to a hand truck, where the user pulls back on the handle 260 to move the weight of the station onto the wheels 340 for transport.
Referring to
A hole 420 in the ramp 400 can have a geometrical shape, such as but not limited to a rectangle, a circle, a triangle, and the like. The support panel 410 can have a keyhole shape cut-out 440 which offers extra scoring potential during the game play. Along the edges of the opening 420 can be a ledge 430 which is able to accept inserts that can change the geometry of the opening 440 to add more difficulty during wheel 100 rolling play. The wheel 100 can be rolled along path 460 to the ramp 400 similar to the previous embodiments.
In addition, the ledge 430 around the perimeter of hole 440 can be used to convert the rolling wheel game to the popular corn hole bean bag game.
The insert 470 can also be used with the slot openings in the previous versions described above, to modify levels of skill and play difficulty.
Descriptions of playing the rolling wheel hole games will now be described.
Official Wheel Hole Playing Rules2 or 4 players (Can be played with only 1 player for practice or self-challenge)
Wheel Hole's ramps and assemblies can have identical dimensions to insure consistency and fairness. During play, the assemblies should face each other and be separated by the desired distance. The lowest edge of the inclining ramp is also the edge of the perceived foot foul line.
Distance can be measured between foot foul edges of the Wheel Hole ramps.
Pre-measured string or a measuring tape, along with pegs and/or anchors can be used to keep accurate distance between Wheel Holes. Wheels should stay put where they fall.
The following distances in Table 1 can be used for hard surface play such as asphalt, cement or wood:
The following distances in Table 2 can be used for average yard surfaces such as grass or dirt.
The following distances in Table 3 can be used for play in soft sand or at the beach.
In doubles, team partners face can each other from opposite Wheel Hole assemblies.
Each team can play with 2 wheels. If a wheel rolls at least ½ way back, roll it again.
Opponents can alternate turns until all wheels are rolled.
For example, the round is then scores (See Game Scoring Rules). The team with the highest score rolls first. Also, the team that ties the score, rolls first. The winning team rolls first at the starting of the next game. Opponents may call a foot foul and the call must be honored. Alternate rolling sides and R/L positions after each game
Game Scoring Rules:Winner can be the first player or team to acquire 21 points or more
1 point can be scored for the 1st wheel rolled into the Wheel Hole target area.
2 points can be scored for the 2nd wheel rolled in by either team.
3 points can be scored for the 3rd wheel rolled in by either team.
4 points can be scored for the 4th wheel rolled in by either team.
5 points can be scored for a wheel rolled through the Wheel Hole at any times, by it doesn't count as a wheel rolled in for added points.
Playing examples will now be described.
Example 1Red Team rolls first wheel in for 1 point
Blue Team rolls in the next wheel (2nd) for 2 points
Red Team misses next roll
Blue Ream rolls in next wheel (3rd) for 3 points SCORE: Red Team=1, Blue Team=5
Example 2Blue Team rolls first, and in for 1 point
Red Team rolls a Wheel Hole through for 5 points
Blue Team rolls next wheel in (2nd) for 2 points
Red Team rolls next wheel in (3rd) for 3 points
SCORE: Red Team=8, Blue Team=3.
If Example 1 and 2 team SCORES are added together, Red Team=9, Blue Team=8, then the Red Team rolls first, starting the next round. If a foot foul is called on either team, that wheel is disqualified from all scoring.
Game Set-UpFor location, any surface will suffice but a reasonably level playing area should be preferred.
Playing area should be approximately 10 feet wide and 30 feet long. Participants nearest the target Wheel Hole should stop long-rolled wheels with their foot, once they pass the back edge.
If playing in sand, the distance between Wheel Holes should be no more than 10 feet and the forward roll should be used instead of the backspin technique.
The Lingo for the Game Roller—Players/participantsHigh Roller(s)—the player or team with the highest or tying score, or winner(s) of the previous game. High Roller would roll first in the next round or to begin the next game.
The Dog House—another name for the target area.
Grey Hound—a wheel rolled too fast and/or too far.
Fender Bender—when the wheel is rolled too hard and bounces back off the target.
Blood Hound—a wheel rolled too slow and/or not far enough which makes it land in . . . .
The Bone Yard—the playing area between both ramps where the wheels fall and stop.
The Bone—any wheel blocking the path of a roller
Lucky Dog—when the wheel comes at least % way back towards the roller. A re-roll is awarded.
The Dog—any wheel, anywhere on the playing surface where it lands.
Run Over the Dog—any wheel that rolls over another wheel on the playing field.
Prairie Dog—when the wheel doesn't go all the way through the cut-out hole in back.
Wheel Hole—when the wheel drops into the target area and totally out of the cut-out.
Wee Ho! Or Wheel Ho!—shouted out when the player rolls a Wheel Hole.
Players can stand upright and behind or to the side of the game assembly when using the back spin roll. Player(s) can also sit on the station boxes during play or at rest. To start, each player can hold the wheel with their thumb and fore-fingers of one hand and loft it with a forward and up flick of the wrist, to within a few feet from the target area, so it lands and rolls forward and straight at a reasonable speed.
To employ the forward roll, players can cup the bottom section of the wheel in your palm, with your fore-fingers extended along the bottom part of the wheel, pointing forward. Players can stand on either side of the Wheel Hold assembly, slightly bent over at the hips to roll and release the wheel low and forward, off your fingers, similar to bowling.
PROGRESSIVE SCORING or UNDERDOG SCORING—favors the person/team with the lower score.
Whether playing singles or doubles, one round is complete after 4 wheels are rolled.
Each player stands behind, or sits on the opponents target. Each player can start with 2 wheels. The first wheel is always rolled by the winner of the previous game or the defending champion. If no prior game was played and there is not a determined champion to roll, a coin toss is appropriate to get started.
Points cam be accumulated by the progression of wheels successfully rolled into either of the Wheel Hole target areas. First wheel in, regardless of who rolls it or which target it is, garners 1 point, second wheel in garners 2 points. Third wheel in garners 3 points and forth wheel in garners 4 points. If a wheel goes all the way through the cut out in the back, 5 points is awarded to that roller but it doesn't count as a wheel in.
Example: players are standing for this example
Player A stands behind Wheel Hole™ station box B. Twenty feet away is Player D standing behind Wheel Hole™ station box C.
Player A|Wheel Hole™ station box B ______20 ‘______ Wheel Hole™ station box C|Player D Player A rolls first wheel and misses Wheel Hole™ station box C—00 points.
Player D rolls next and the first wheel goes into Wheel Hole™ station box B—01 point (first wheel in).
Player A rolls his/her last wheel into Wheel Hole™ station box C—02 points (second wheel in).
Player D rolls his/her last wheel into Wheel Hole™ station box B—03 points (third wheel in).
*One round of play is complete. Player D has 4 points, player A has 2 points.
Player D rolls first wheel into Wheel Hole™ station box B —01 point (first in)—now has 5 points total.
Player A rolls next and his/her wheel goes into Wheel Hole™ station box C—02 points (second in) now has 4 points.
Player D rolls his/her last wheel into Wheel Hole™ station box B—03 points (third in)—now has 8 points total.
Player A rolls his/her last wheel into Wheel Hole™ station box C—04 points (4th In)—now has 8 points total.
*Second round is over Player D and Player A are tied at 8 points. Now Player A rolls first in next round.
FIRST one to reach 21 points is the winner of that game regardless of how many wheels remain. The winner then rolls the first wheel to starts the next round.
Player A & Player E stand behind Wheel Hole™ station box B.
Twenty feet away, Player D and Player F stand behind Wheel Hole™ station box C.
Player A and Player F are partners. Player D and Player E are partners.
Each opposing player standing on one side starts with 2 wheels. The first wheel is always rolled by one of the winners of the previous game or the defending champion team. If no prior game was played and there is no determined champions to roll, a coin toss is appropriate to get started.
The scoring can be accumulated in the same manner as in singles, but the players are rolling towards the same Wheel Hole target taking alternating turns, beginning with the team that has the highest score or the team that has just tied the score. All four wheels can be rolled to end the round. The wheels will then be rolled back in the other direction starting with the team player that has the highest score or just tied the score from the previous round. Continue back and forth until a team reaches 21 points to win.
After a roll, if the wheel rolls back at least half way towards the original roller, he/she gets to roll that wheel again. Otherwise, the wheels can remain where they fall, even if it is blocking the path or ramp. Wheels that are obviously going to miss the target should be stopped by the closest player's foot so the wheel will not keep rolling past.
Degree of DifficultyDifficulty level can be increased or decreased by changing the distance between Wheel Hole™ station box targets.
*5 point Wheel Hole™ station box (through the back) can be made more easily by changing the width of the cut-out.
The invention components can be formed from various types of materials, such as but not limited to plastic, fiberglass, wood, and the like.
Although the slot described in the back of the box or rear panel is described as keyhole shaped, the slot shape can vary to any geometrical shape or configuration.
While the invention has been described, disclosed, illustrated and shown in various terms of certain embodiments or modifications which it has presumed in practice, the scope of the invention is not intended to be, nor should it be deemed to be, limited thereby and such other modifications or embodiments as may be suggested by the teachings herein are particularly reserved especially as they fall within the breadth and scope of the claims here appended.
Claims
1. A portable wheel rolling game box, comprising:
- a top cover and two opposing side panels;
- a front side panel with a foldable ramp portion;
- a rear side panel having a target; and
- at least one wheel to roll up the ramp to the target.
2. The portable wheel rolling game box of claim 1, further comprising: a removable bottom cover to close off the box.
3. The portable wheel rolling game box of claim 1, wherein the at least one wheel includes two wheels.
4. The portable wheel rolling game box of claim 3, wherein the box includes: axle portions for attaching each of the wheels thereto when the game is not being played.
5. The portable wheel rolling game box of claim 2, wherein the box includes: latches for closing the top cover to the bottom cover when the box has been disassembled and compacted into a carryable suit case.
6. The portable wheel rolling game box of claim 2, further comprising a second box comprising:
- a second set of two opposing side panels;
- a second front side panel with ramp portion;
- a second rear side panel having a second target; and
- at least one additional wheel for being rollable up the second ramp and toward the second target.
7. The portable wheel rolling game box of claim 6, wherein the box includes: axle portions for attaching each of the wheels thereto when the game is not being played.
8. The portable wheel rolling game box of claim 6, wherein the box includes: latches for closing the top cover to the bottom cover when the box has been disassembled and compacted into a carryable suit case.
9. The portable wheel rolling game box of claim 1, wherein, the wheel includes; a rim with a tire about a perimeter of the rim, and at least one removable hub panel for indicia.
10. The portable wheel rolling game box of claim 1, further comprising: holes in the box and removable pegs for keeping score during a game.
11. The portable wheel rolling game box of claim 1, further comprising: a raiseable and lowerable handle having slots which when exposed during the raising and lowering of the handle keep score during the game.
12. The portable wheel rolling game box of claim 4, further comprising: a lift handle on the back of the box so as to transport the box by tilting the box and pulling on the lift handle so that the box rolls on the wheels.
13. The portable wheel rolling game box of claim 4, further comprising an upper compartment for housing a cooler.
14. The portable wheel rolling game box of claim 12, further comprising a hinged lid on top of the box for allowing access into the upper cooler compartment.
15. The portable wheel rolling game box of claim 13, further comprising: foldable pegs underneath a front corners of the bottom cover of the box, wherein the axle portions are on the rear corners of the bottom cover of the box, the pegs being foldable upward when the wheels are removed so that the bottom of the box rests on the ground.
16. A foldable ramp for games, comprising:
- a rear panel;
- a ramp panel having a rear edge;
- a hinge for allowing the rear panel to fold against or fold outward from the ramp panel; and
- a target opening in the ramp panel, wherein the ramp panel is adapted be raised to an angle with the rear panel folded outward for playing a game.
17. The foldable ramp of claim 16, further comprising:
- a removable insert for the target opening to change the dimensions of the target opening to different size openings.
18. The foldable ramp of claim 16, further comprising:
- a slot in the rear panel to increase play difficulty.
19. A method of playing a rolling target game, comprising the steps of:
- providing a box having one side with a foldable ramp;
- providing at least one wheel;
- folding the ramp from the box to form a slanted ramp into the box; and
- rolling a wheel down the ramp and into the box.
20. The method of claim 19, further including the step of:
- providing a modified slot in the back of the box to add difficulty and complexity to the game.
Type: Application
Filed: May 4, 2012
Publication Date: Nov 22, 2012
Patent Grant number: 8590893
Applicant: DON MONOPOLI PRODUCTIONS, INC. (Melbourne, FL)
Inventor: Donald Monopoli (Melbourne, FL)
Application Number: 13/463,992
International Classification: A63B 67/00 (20060101);